Golf club fitting system based on golfer heights

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for fitting golfers with a set of golf clubs are provided. Golf club sets are designed for golfers within narrow height ranges, such as approximately three or six inches. Each set of golf clubs includes golf clubs with shaft lengths adjusted for golfers within the narrow height range. Golf club heads are also customized for the golfer and are selected based on the height, strength, and swing speed of the golfer. Customized golf club sets are then labeled with identifiers that convey relevant information about the golf clubs to golfers. Such information can include the height of the golfers for whom the sets are intended, the length of the clubs in the set and, optionally, the weight of golf club heads.

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/847,343, entitled “Golf Club Fitting System for Growing Golfers,” filed Sep. 25, 2006. The complete disclosure of the above-identified priority application is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to golf club fitting systems. In particular, the invention relates to a system for determining the specifications for a set of golf clubs based upon a golfer's characteristics such as height, strength and swing speed.

BACKGROUND

Golf clubs can be made according to different specifications, with varying configurations, sizes and weights. The optimal specifications for a golf club can depend at least partially upon the height and strength of the golfer. Because the height and strength of growing golfers can change rapidly, golf club manufacturers often produce multiple golf club sets, each having varying specifications, with different sets being designed for golfers of different height and strength ranges.

Junior golf club sets, and even some adult sets, are often labeled with some form of color-coding system, with a particular color corresponding to a certain height range or age range. Such color coding systems are intended to simplify the golf club buying experience. The purchaser simply needs to determine the height or age of the golfer and the label color corresponding to that height or age. Thus, the purchaser is expected to trust that the golf club manufacturer has designed the clubs within a particular color-coded set to specifications optimized for players of the corresponding height or age.

While color-coded golf club fitting systems based on height can be effective, wide ranges of golfer height tend to be assigned to each color code. As a result, there is not enough granularity in the specification differences between the available club sets, and purchasers often purchase club sets that are not truly ideal for the intended golfer. In addition, color-coded systems can sometimes have the effect of oversimplifying the club fitting process, thereby distancing certain important club specifications, such as club length, club head weight, loft and lie angle, from the purchaser's mind. Consequently, many parents delay transitioning their growing children to the next color-coded level club set, unaware that the player has outgrown his or her current set. Conversely, other parents will purchase the next color coded system prematurely, unaware that the player is not yet of the appropriate height for that set.

Therefore, a need in the art exists for a system and method for fitting golf clubs for growing golfers that increases the granularity in the specification differences between available club sets, with one or more club specifications tied to tight ranges of golfer height. There also exists a need for a golf club fitting system that allows for the club head weight and loft and lie angles to be customized for a golfer, in addition to the length of the clubs.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, golf club sets are designed for golfers within relatively tight height ranges, such as height ranges of approximately three or six inches. Within each set of golf clubs, each club is designed to have a certain length and other characteristics, including club head weight, lie angle, loft angle, bounce, offset and/or volume, based on the manufacturer's view of ideal club specifications for a player whose height falls within the assigned height range. In the typical golf club set, the driver is the longest club and all other clubs are designed to be incrementally shorter. In accordance with the invention, the respective lengths of the golf clubs in one set differ from the lengths of the corresponding clubs in another set, so as to compensate for the height of the intended golfer. For example, the driver in a first club set will be shorter than the driver in a club set designed for the next greatest height range.

In addition to club length, one or more other golf club specifications may be varied across club sets depending on the height and/or strength of the golfer. For example, the clubs of a particular set can be designed with a reduced club head weight for smaller golfers who generate relatively slower swing speeds. Golfers with slower swing speeds may prefer to have—and may play golf more optimally with—clubs with lighter heads. In accordance with the present invention, club heads for a given set of golf clubs are produced in different weights relative to standard (i.e., adult) golf clubs. In certain exemplary embodiments, the inventive fitting system incorporates three different golf club head options that are designed to be approximately 6%, 12%, and 18% lighter, respectively, than the corresponding standard golf club head.

In accordance with the present invention, each set of golf clubs bears an identifier that includes at least one component. This component represents a physical attribute of the golfer, such as height, which serves as the basis for the club fitting system. In embodiments where this component of the club set identifier represents golfer height, each golf club set is designed for golfers of a relatively tight height range (e.g., a height range of approximately three or six inches).

In certain exemplary embodiments, the identifier also includes a second component. This second component of the identifier represents an important golf club specification, such as an index club length and/or relative club head weight. The index club length may be the length of the driver (or any other club) included within the set.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, each golf club set identifier includes two numeric components representing the optimal height of the golfer that should use the set and the length of the driver included in the set. Each club within the set is labeled with the same identifier, even though the other clubs within that set will likely not have the same length as the driver. In other embodiments, a golf club set identifier may include additional components representing one or more other physical attributes of the intended golfer and/or one or more other golf club specifications. For example, a three-number identifier may represent the golfer's height, the length of the driver and the relative club head weight.

These and other embodiments, objects, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, read in conjunction with, and reference to, the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a chart illustrating a golf club fitting system and representative specifications of the various golf club sets thereof, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating representative golf club head specification options used in a golf club fitting system, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a golf club fitting method according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a means for associating a plurality of pre-determined height ranges with golf club set labels according to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Golf club sets in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are designed for golfers within narrow height ranges, such as height ranges of approximately three or six inches. Each set of golf clubs comprises multiple clubs, each with a certain length and other specifications, including club head weight, lie angle and loft. The specifications of each golf club are based on the manufacturer's view of ideal club specifications for a player of the relevant height.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 1 and 2 are charts of representative golf club specifications designed for golfers of varying heights and levels of strength. FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary golf club fitting method 300. FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating an exemplary means 400 for associating a plurality of pre-determine height ranges with golf club set labels. The information contained in the charts of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 will be discussed in reference to the golf club fitting method 300 of FIG. 3.

The golf club fitting method 300 of FIG. 3 begins at starting block 301 and proceeds to step 305, where the height of the golfer is measured. In certain embodiments, the height of the golfer is measured in inches. In other embodiments, the height of the golfer may be measured in other units. While not necessarily required, the height of the golfer is preferably measured while the golfer is wearing his or her golf shoes. Next, in step 310, a determination is made as to whether the golfer's measured height exceeds an adult height threshold 106K. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the adult height threshold 106K for an exemplary fitting system is defined as 64.5 inches. In other embodiments, the adult height threshold may be defined differently. For example, a shorter adult height threshold may be used in a fitting system designed for use by only female golfers.

If the golfer's measured height is determined at step 310 to exceed the adult height threshold 106K, the method advances to step 315, where a “standard” adult set of golf clubs is recommended for the golfer. The definition of a “standard” adult golf club set may vary in different contexts and depending on the manufacturer. However, most golf club manufacturers produce at least one set of adult golf clubs that are pre-configured for the average adult golfer (i.e., not custom designed for an individual golfer). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the lengths of the golf club shafts for a set of exemplary standard adult golf clubs 104K are shown. After recommending that a standard set of adult golf clubs 104K be selected for the golfer, the exemplary method 300 ends at step 340.

However, if it is determined at step 310 that the golfer's measured height does not exceed the adult height threshold 106K, the method 300 proceeds to step 320. In step 320, the golfer's measured height is compared with a set of pre-determined height ranges (e.g., height ranges 106A-J) specified by the exemplary fitting system, to identify the height range that includes the golfer's measured height.

Although the exemplary height ranges 106A-J are shown as being in three inch intervals, other intervals, such as six inches are possible. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates two exemplary embodiments of the invention, one embodiment 406 with six inch intervals between successive height ranges, and another embodiment 408 with three inch intervals between successive height ranges. In an embodiment 406 suited for beginner or intermediate golfers, six inch intervals may provide sufficient granularity between successive height ranges. In another exemplary embodiment 408 suited for advanced golfers, three inch intervals may provide more appropriate granularity between successive height ranges.

Next in step 325, a determination is made as to which golf club set label (e.g., system labels 102A-J) of the exemplary fitting system corresponds to the identified height range. In exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, each golf club within a set may bear the label 404 associated with that set. After identifying the applicable golf club set label, a recommendation is made in step 330 that the golfer should purchase a golf club set (or individual golf clubs) bearing that label.

In certain embodiments, the golf club fitting system may provide means for indicating the pre-determined height ranges and means for allowing the purchaser and/or the salesperson to associate a pre-determined height range with a golf club set label. Either or both of such means can be any type of printed media (e.g., a chart, display, signage, or other documentation), a software interface and/or a web page. For example, such means take the form of the chart 400 of FIG. 4, or a portion thereof, which may be displayed at the point of sale, on the internet or otherwise to allow purchasers and/or salespersons to understand and use the golf club fitting system of the present invention.

As discussed previously, golf club set labels 102A-J comprise at least one component, such as a number corresponding to a physical attribute of the golfer. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, golf club set labels 102A-J may comprise two components, such as two numbers. For example, the golf club set 104D corresponding to the 45″ to 48″ height range 106D may bear a label of “45-31” 102D. The first component of such a label represents the height of the golfer and serves as the basis for the exemplary club fitting system. The second component of the label represents an index club length. The index club length may be the length of the driver (or any other club) included within the set. FIG. 4 is representative of exemplary embodiments of the invention, wherein the driver is the index club 402. As discussed previously, each club within a golf club set 104A-J may bear the same label 404.

Thus, a golf club set 104D bearing a label of “45-31” 102D is intended to convey two pieces of information to the purchaser: (1) that each club in the set 104D is optimized for use by a golfer who is approximately 45 inches tall, and (2) that the optimum length of the driver or other index club for such a golfer is 31 inches. Such a labeling system accommodates easy club fitting based on player height. In addition, by focusing the purchaser's attention on the optimum length of an index club (e.g., the driver) for the intended golfer, the purchaser is more likely to recognize that even a small increase in the golfer's height will necessitate a transition to another club set (e.g., club set 104E) having longer clubs to achieve consistent golfing performance.

In other embodiments, the golf club set labels 102A-J may alternatively or additionally include other components representing another physical attribute of the golfer and/or another golf club specification, such as club head weight. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to numerical identifiers. Any combination of alphanumeric and other symbols or codes may be used to convey the basis of the club fitting system (e.g., golfer height, weight and/or strength) and at least one important golf club specification.

In certain embodiments, different club head options may be offered for each golf club set 104A-J or selected golf club sets 104A-J. For example, smaller golfers tend to generate slower swing speeds, and therefore they may prefer to have—and may play golf more optimally with—clubs with lighter heads. Club heads for a given set of golf clubs 104A-J may be produced in different weights relative to the club heads of a standard adult golf club set 104K. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, exemplary golf club heads labeled as “TS 6” 206, “TS 12” 208, and “TS 18” 210 are designed to be approximately 6%, 12%, and 18% lighter, respectively, than the corresponding standard adult golf club head.

In order to truly optimize a golf club for use by a golfer of a particular height and/or strength, a reduction in club head weight should often be accompanied by changes in the loft and lie angles of the club head. For example, as the club head weight is reduced from the standard adult club head weight, the loft angle should be increased and the lie angle should be decreased. Such accompanying changes in loft and lie angle can allow the golfer to strike the golf ball in such a way as to achieve a better ball flight trajectory. Adjustment of the loft and lie angles can help to compensate for the decreased weight of the club head.

The chart of FIG. 2 provides representative club head specifications for each of the three exemplary club head variations “TS 6” 206, “TS 12” 208 and “TS 18” 210, as well as a comparison of those specifications with representative loft, lie, and weight specifications of club heads 202A-P for an exemplary standard adult golf club set 104K. For example, the club head of a standard adult driver 202A is shown to have a loft of 10 degrees, a lie of 57 degrees, and a weight of 200 grams, and the club head of an exemplary modified “TS 6” driver 206A is shown to have a loft of 12 degrees and a lie of 55 degrees to adjust for a lighter weight of 185 grams. The golf club specifications shown in FIG. 2 are provided by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In embodiments where different club head options are provided for each or selected golf club sets 104A-J, a club head recommendation is made for the golfer at step 335. After the appropriate golf club set is recommended for the golfer, the method ends at step 340. At some time in the future, the golfer may return to the store (or visit a different store) to determine if he/she has outgrown the previously recommended golf club set. At such time, the exemplary club fitting method 300 may again be performed to determine an appropriate golf club set for the golfer.

Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention provides golf club fitting systems and methods based upon the height of the golfer. Many other modifications, features and embodiments of the invention will become evident to those of skill in the art. It should also be appreciated that many aspects of the invention were described above by way of example only and are not intended as required or essential elements of the invention unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing relates only to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention and that numerous changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. It should be further understood that the invention is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments and that various other modifications can be made within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A golf club fitting system for fitting golfers with golf club sets on the basis of a plurality of pre-determined height ranges, the system comprising: a plurality of golf club sets, each golf club set being designed for golfers having a measured height that is within one of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges; and a golf club set label associated with each of the plurality of golf club sets, wherein each golf club set label comprises a first component that is based upon the pre-determined height range for which the golf club set is designed.
 2. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein the golf club set label further comprises a second component that represents a length of an index club included within the golf club set.
 3. The golf club fitting system of claim 2, wherein the index club is a driver.
 4. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, further comprising means for associating each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges with one of the golf club set labels.
 5. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, further comprising means for indicating the plurality of pre-determined height ranges.
 6. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges spans about three inches.
 7. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges spans about six inches.
 8. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges comprises a minimum height and a maximum height; and wherein the first component of the golf club set label is based upon the optimal height of the pre-determined height range.
 9. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of available club heads for each golf club included within each of the plurality of golf club sets; and wherein each of the available club heads has a different club head weight.
 10. The golf club fitting system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of available club heads includes a club head having a weight that is about 6% lighter than a corresponding standard adult golf club head.
 11. The golf club fitting system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of available club heads includes a club head having a weight that is about 12% lighter than a corresponding standard adult golf club head.
 12. The golf club fitting system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of available club heads includes a club head having a weight that is about 18% lighter than a corresponding standard adult golf club head.
 13. The golf club fitting system of claim 9, wherein each of the available club heads further has a different loft angle and club head lie angle.
 14. The golf club fitting system of claim 9, wherein each golf club set label further comprises a component that indicates which of the plurality of available club heads are used for each golf club included within the golf club set.
 15. A golf club fitting system comprising: a plurality of golf club sets; and a plurality of available club heads for each golf club included within each of the plurality of golf club sets, wherein each of the available club heads has a different club head weight.
 16. The golf club fitting system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of available club heads includes a club head having a weight that is about 6% lighter than a corresponding standard adult golf club head.
 17. The golf club fitting system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of available club heads includes a club head having a weight that is about 12% lighter than a corresponding standard adult golf club head.
 18. The golf club fitting system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of available club heads includes a club head having a weight that is about 18% lighter than a corresponding standard adult golf club head.
 19. The golf club fitting system of claim 15, wherein each of the available club heads further has a different loft angle and club head lie angle.
 20. The golf club fitting system of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of golf club sets is designed for golfers having a measured height that is within one of a plurality of pre-determined height ranges.
 21. The golf club fitting system of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges spans about three inches.
 22. The golf club fitting system of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges spans about six inches.
 23. The golf club fitting system of claim 20, further comprising a golf club set label associated with each of the plurality of golf club sets, wherein each golf club set label comprises a first component that is based upon the pre-determined height range for which the golf club set is designed.
 24. The golf club fitting system of claim 23, wherein each golf club set label further comprises a second component that represents a length of an index club included within the golf club set.
 25. The golf club fitting system of claim 24, wherein the index club is a driver.
 26. The golf club fitting system of claim 23, further comprising means for associating each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges with one of the golf club set labels.
 27. The golf club fitting system of claim 23, further comprising means for indicating the plurality of pre-determined height ranges.
 28. The golf club fitting system of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of pre-determined height ranges comprises a minimum height and a maximum height; and wherein the first component of the golf club set label represents the optimal height of the pre-determined height range.
 29. The golf club fitting system of claim 23, wherein each golf club set label further comprises a component that indicates which of the plurality of available club heads are used for each golf club included within the golf club set. 